A British ballerina in the US died after having an allergic reaction to cookies that were not stated to contain peanuts.
Órla Baxendale, 25, died on January 11 after suffering severe anaphylactic shock after eating Florence cookies she bought at Stew Leonard’s in Connecticut.
An emergency product recall has since been issued, saying the cookies contained “undeclared” peanuts and eggs.
Her family told the BBC she went to Connecticut to dance the lead role in a production of Alice in Wonderland and ate the cookies.
Her family said Ms Baxendale had “always been very careful” about her peanut allergy and “never left home without an EpiPen”.
It is understood Ms Baxendale’s EpiPen was used but tragically failed to save her.
Originally from Lancashire, Ms Baxendale moved to New York in 2018 to pursue her dance career.
An online obituary describes her as “the embodiment of enthusiasm, strength and beauty.”
“Known for her quirky character and boundless love for those around her, she was a source of joy and inspiration to all,” he says.
“His presence was a constant reminder of living life to the fullest, a lesson he embraced wholeheartedly and encouraged others to embrace as well.”
Tributes were paid by Ms Baxendale’s close friends and fellow dancers, including those who only met her briefly but were moved by her “brilliant” energy and “the way she made people feel seen and loved”. Kelsey Crawford wrote: “You were a Sunshine taken from us too soon. I am so grateful to have been around your joyful infectious presence, to have witnessed and learned from your tremendous talents, and to have been able to call you my friend.
“I think of you every day; you will be incredibly missed. I love you always, Órla.”
Taylor Litz wrote: “Orla you were the light of everyone’s life. The joy and love your presence brought to others was beyond reproach. Rest in strength.” Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham, from which she graduated in 2018, also paid tribute to her. “A radiant force both on and off the dance floor, she embodied a truly captivating thirst for life,” her website reads.
“His originality and ability to stay true to himself resonated with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, and he had a remarkable ability to light up any room he entered.
“His extraordinary talent left a lasting impact and ensures that his legacy, both as an artist and as a person, will be fondly remembered at our school.”
The ballet school’s statement described how careful Ms Baxendale was and always checked ingredients before eating anything.
The state Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) said the cookies Ms. Baxendale consumed were sold at Stew Leonard’s stores in two Connecticut towns, Danbury and Newington.
Approximately 500 packs of “seasonal” biscuits sold between November 6 and December 31 were reportedly recalled.
Connecticut DCP commissioner Bryan T Cafferelli called Ms. Baxendale’s death “a heartbreaking tragedy that should never have happened.”
DCP said consumers with nut allergies should discard or return the cookies immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
“Florentine Cookies were manufactured under the Stew Leonard’s brand name by wholesaler Cookies United in Islip, New York, and sold exclusively in Danbury and Newington stores,” DCP said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, DCP has worked with Stew Leonard’s to remove all baked goods produced by Cookies United from all Stew Leonard’s locations in Connecticut.”
DCP investigators are working with state and local public health officials, the Food and Drug Administration and Stew Leonard’s to determine the cause of the error.
According to the BBC, Stew Leonard Jr., CEO of Stew Leonard, claimed that the cookie maker changed the ingredients from “soynuts to peanuts” without notifying the company’s security chief.
New York-based manufacturer Cookies United reportedly disputed this claim and said it notified Stew Leonard’s of the recipe change in July 2023.
Lawyers for Ms. Baxendale’s family said the “preliminary investigation revealed that Órla’s death occurred due to gross negligence and reckless conduct on the part of the manufacturer and/or dealers,” the BBC reported.
At this stage, it is understood that no legal action has been taken against either party. Connecticut Department of Public Health commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani described Ms Baxendale’s death as a “preventable tragedy” and added: “correct labeling to prevent people from harm. It is extremely important that people with food allergies are able to protect themselves appropriately.” Originally from Lancashire, Miss Baxendale studied and competed in Irish dancing from an early age.
She studied at Northern Ballet Academy and Elmhurst Ballet School before moving to New York in 2018 to study as a scholarship student at The Ailey School.
After graduating, he performed professionally in England and the USA. She joined MOMIX Dance Company in June 2023.